April 21, 2023: Surprising Cubbies

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I’m not going to lie. I wasn’t that excited about the Cubs 2023 season. Sure, I was excited because baseball was back; I love baseball. I was excited to see the Cubs play; I love the Cubs. Yet, did I think the Cubs would be any good? Sure, I thought they’d be better than last year, but… so far, they have been the Surprising Cubbies.

Yeah, the Cubs had just swept the As; everybody sweeps the As. Yet, before that, they beat the Dodgers in a series, in Dodger Stadium! In fact, since losing their opening series against the Brewers, the Cubs have split against the Reds, won a series against Texas, and also against the Mariners. Yes, it’s early, but… I would not have predicted that. I was talking about this to my brother, looking at the upcoming schedule, with 4 against the Dodgers and 3 against the Padres at Wrigley. I said, let’s see how they do in those two series. If they can achieve a winning homestand, against those two powerhouses… maybe it IS time to get excited about the boys.

There have been a lot of surprises with the Cubs. Let’s start with our #1 pitcher, Marcus Stroman. First off, I didn’t think he was a #1; in fact, I didn’t really think he was a #2, yet, he has been pitching like an ace; bravo Marcus. Justin Steele… has been good too. Jameson Taillon was up and down before landing on the injured list. Wesneski has been decent as a 5th starter. And then there’s Drew Smyly, who pitched his ass off on Friday afternoon, as the Cubs evened the series with the Dodgers; he almost had a perfect game!!! Yeah, the starting pitching is a good place to start for the Cubs; I am worried about how long they can keep this up. But it’s been more than that… the bullpen has been decent, although not sure if we’re settled in at the closer position. The hitting? Patrick Wisdom has been going nuts. I knew Nico would be good; he’s been great. Dansby has had a hot start; that’s a great thing. When Seiya came back, he’s been hitting. Happ has been solid; Bellinger has been surprising. Is this Cubs lineup actually decent???

Just like I said about the Sox slow start, I will say about the Cubs hot start; it’s early. Looking at the Cubs division, the same applies. I thought the Cardinals would be running away with it, but that’s not the case. The Brewers? OK, I guess I could buy that. The Pirates??? What the hell? Although we should definitely be patient, it doesn’t mean we can’t be happy about the Cubs start; it doesn’t mean we can’t start being a little excited… OK, at the very least hopeful… about the 2023 season. Either way, I’m already looking at making our first appearance at Wrigley; hasn’t worked out so far… but definitely soon. If they keep this up, it better be sooner than later to avoid the higher ticket prices. That would be a good problem to have. Let’s keep this up. Go Cubs!

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